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Teen Court

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Our contention is that if peer pressure can be used to exert a negative influence, it likewise can be used as a positive force. Those who work with youth know just how instrumental peer pressure can be in the decision-making process of all young minds.

Teen Court is based upon the premise that most young people want to do what is right when making decisions. Even those who may make the wrong choice due to external factors such as peer pressure are often gratified to learn that they have an opportunity to make amends. What better way to impress upon a young offender than to be judged by a jury of his/her peers? Peer pressure in this court setting will have a more immediate and meaningful effect upon the individual than the more traditional juvenile justice approach. The message given by a peer jury will be long remembered by those seeking to fit within a group and be accepted.

Currently, Kentucky has over 1,200 students from 26 of the 120 counties that participate in Teen Court. The program provides first time juvenile offenders the opportunity to participate in a less formal court process – one that is controlled by their peers. Before students are able to hear cases they go through five mandatory training sessions and a swearing in ceremony. At these training sessions local legal professionals train the students. They are trained to fulfill the roles as attorneys, jurors, bailiffs, and clerks. The only adult that participates in an actual Teen Court case proceeding is the presiding District or Family Court Judge.

Criteria

Requirements for Participation:

Students who wish to participate in the Kentucky Teen Court Program must be willing to commit to the following:

Participate in the program the entire school year

Attend five mandatory training sessions

Attend the swearing-in ceremony

Attend Teen Court hearings when notified by the coordinator

Return permission slips signed by a parent or legal guardian

How Cases Arrive in Teen Court

The Court Designated Worker determines through uniform criteria that the juvenile is eligible to participate in diversion. The child agrees to participate and complete Teen court as part of their diversion agreement.

Teen Court cases include offenses such as:

Shoplifting

Theft

Criminal Mischief

Harassment

Others deemed appropriate by judge

Offenders who successfully complete their sentence will have their case considered dismissed and avoid a formal court record. These offenders often return to be participants in Teen Court.